Issue 1 2020

A Journal for Seventh-day Adventists in Military and Public Service WHEN THINGS GO BAD By Mario E. Ceballos, D.Min., BCC Director/Endorser, World Service Organization– Conference

any have asked the question, command to carry the Gospel to the “Why do bad things happen Gentiles. John, the beloved disciple, M to good people?” Books was banished to the Isle of Patmos for have been written and much has been the Word of God and the testimony of said, but the question remains. In Jesus Christ. these few paragraphs, it is impossible When we feel that things have gone to answer that question fully. wrong, it affects our self-worth, with You may find yourself serving your potentially horrendous consequences. country in the military, in a police When you feel as though the rug has force, public service, or in the fire been pulled out from under you, your department, but everything you do entire sense of self is affected. Even turns out wrong. Let me offer a few problems that cause less distress don’t examples of others who have been in feel good. However, they still allow similar situations. you to appreciate other positive aspects Someone I love very much finds of yourself, and this strengthens your solace in these words of Jesus. “I have sense of self-worth. This happens said these things to you, that in me naturally because people are motivated you may have peace. In the world you to feel good about themselves. will have tribulation. But take heart; I When you lose your sense of have overcome the world.” self-worth, a excellent way to Paul was imprisoned and finally, put recover is to use what psychologists to death because he obeyed Christ’s call self-affirmations. Consider

2 Perspective Table of 4 Don’t Just Bear It, Use It Contents 10 From the Counselor’s Desk 12 Try One More Time 18 Becoming an Overcomer 24 NAD Director Thoughts 26 Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries Welcomes A New Assistant Director 27 Southwestern Union Honors Those Who Serve 28 CAP Chaplain’s Contribution Remembered 2 PERSPECTIVE an individual who struggles with Thomas Edison failed over 6,000 making presentations to colleagues. times when inventing the light bulb. This person might feel better by All successful people have one thing in remembering that they are a generally common. They never quit. well-liked person and someone They know that nothing is wasted. who fellow employees come to for They know how to invest in what guidance. As a result, they’d be more remains after failure, which creates likely to improve their skills, feel an environment that they are always good about this accomplishment, and experiencing growth. generally view themselves at work in a They know when to slow down and positive light. take a break. If you have failed, the Without a sense of self-worth secret is to know when to let go, sit or such self-affirmations, people back, slow down, and regroup. often defensively place the blame Never wait for the right for problems outside of themselves. moment. “Carpe diem (Seize the This kind of defensive response can moment).” – Horace 4 backfire, leading people to remain One destructive attitude is for stuck in bad situations or destructive people to turn against themselves. patterns of behavior. Those who are inclined toward high Here are several actions that people who bounce back from defeat do when standards often become critical of things go wrong. themselves and their performance. They know how to adjust their Instead, practice choosing to focus goals, they do not give up. your energy in positive directions They are realistic optimists. until it becomes a habit. Once it Research suggests that the realistic does, you will be more empowered optimist is more likely to be and experience less trouble in your successful. They are grateful for life. You will feel like you are living what they have achieved and will on purpose, taking charge of your concentrate on their successes. direction. There is some truth in what They learn from their failure. William Ernest Henley said at the They can to sit down and assess end of his poem “Invictus.” “I am the calmly what went wrong. master of my fate: I am the captain of They know that failure is a prelude my soul.”5 to success. Bill Gates’ first company, Let’s not forget the words of Jesus called Traf-O-Data was a failure. in John 16:33, “But take heart; I have He was able to adapt and try again overcome the world.” with Microsoft, and we all know how successful that became. 1 John 16:33 (ASV) Ask for advice. Many people have 2 https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/820.17846#17850 been able to crawl out from the ruins 3 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ of failure and start again, but some making-change/201203/how-feel-good-when-things-go-bad were wise enough to seek advice from 4 https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/10-things- friends or mentors. successful-people-when-things-wrong.html They are persistent and courageous. 5 https://poets.org/poem/invictus 3 DON’T JUST BEAR IT,

By Deena Bartel-Wagner, Editor, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries 4 Use It “ Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.” iktor Frankl was arrested by the Nazis during World War II. Stripped of his property, his family, Vhis possessions, he was sent to Auschwitz. There a manuscript he’d labored over for years and had hidden in the lining of his coat was taken from him. A few days later, he faced another humiliation. “I had to surrender my clothes and, in turn, inherited the worn-out rags of an inmate who had been sent to the gas chamber,” said Frankl. “Instead of the many pages of my manuscript, I found in the pocket of the newly acquired coat a single page torn out of a Hebrew prayer book, which contained the main Jewish prayer, Shema Yisrael –“Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one God. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”1 WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG If you were Frankl, how would you respond as you read those words, “Love the Lord God …” Would they have brought comfort? Or, would you react in anger? For Frankl, it gave him a focus point. He trusted his God, looked for good among the misery that permeated Auschwitz, and survived despite death surrounding him. When we are in the midst of crisis, life-changing events, or facing disappointments, verses like 1 Thessalonians 4:16- 17 can be challenging to understand. “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.” In her book A Path Through Suffering, Christian author Elisabeth Elliot wrote, “In Old Testament times suffering was seen as evil. In the New Testament, suffering and evil are no longer identical. Think of the shock the crowds must have felt when Jesus said that those who mourn, those who are poor and persecuted and have nothing are happy! How could He say such things? Only in light of another kingdom, another world, another way of seeing this world. And it is in terms of that life that we must learn to look at our sufferings.”2 5 Elisabeth Elliot was a young disappointment, or even anger to missionary wife serving in the jungles consume us. How we survive the of Ecuador. She and her husband, set-backs and bad things that happen Jim, along with four other couples, in life must be grounded in our were trying to establish contact with principles and beliefs as believers. the Quechua Indians. On January 8, 1956, the five men believed they had Put onYour Armor. When we the opportunity to meet with a small are living through a disappointment, group of Huaorani. Instead, the group a hurt, or any other type of life- was murdered by the very people they impacting event, we must suit up. We were attempting to help. can’t and shouldn’t try to respond or Elisabeth could have become cope with our own power. Instead, we embittered and angry over the death must fall to the vulnerable position of her husband. Instead, she continued of prayer on our knees and trust that her work among the Quechua, telling God is standing beside us through them the story of Jesus. Hearts were every step, every breath, every hurt. softened, and lives were changed. Don’t be shy about sharing your fears

BUT THIS IS NOW, AND MY DREAMS HAVE SHATTERED It’s easy to talk about how someone else responds to bad things happening in their lives. When it touches us, it becomes much more difficult to find our way through without allowing hurt, bitterness,

6 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

and troubles with God. Tell Him how how in control God was in his life. you feel, ask for help, and then wait on But, as the rest of the story played Him. Some compelling examples of out, Job accepted his situation and this can be found in Psalms 22, 31, 37, even thanked God for it. 38, 46, and 51. 3. God has a purpose for your life. Give Thanks. Romans 8:28 says, You don’t know how what happens “And we know that in all things God to you today may become a pivot works for the good of those who love point for another experience later him, who have been called according in your life. Learn from what you to his purpose.” Remember that God are going through. Reflect on the sees the 30,000-foot view when you lessons you can learn and how this are only seeing the Ground Zero view will change your life. of your situation. You’ve probably at least once YOU CAN GIVE THANKS BECAUSE: prayed for God’s will to be done in your life. Are you only willing to 1. You aren’t alone in this. God accept His will when life is going is going through it with you. well? God isn’t any less in control It’s hard to remember that when it appears that everything you’d sometimes. That’s when putting dreamed of is becoming like dust on your armor every day becomes blowing away even more critical. The act of consciously turning the situation Stay on Task. Don’t neglect your over to God reminds you He’s daily routines. These will provide a listening and acting. sense of order. You have a mission to complete. Regroup and focus on what 2. In the middle of the chaos, God it will take to finish well, whether it’s is working on your behalf. He’s a current assignment or a life goal. involved and in control of even the Now isn’t the time to lose track of “bad” things. Job questioned just the final goal.

7 “You are to take hold of these calamities and turn them for a testimony–you are not to escape trouble, nor merely to bear it as the will of God; you are to use it. ”

Embrace Courage, Not Worry. Have you ever noticed that worrying doesn’t make things better? You tend to end up feeling worse about the situation. Although confusion seems like it will overwhelm you, there is another option. You can regain a sense of control by staying in control of the choices you make. Choose to focus on the things you can do. It often takes courage to make a choice not to dwell on the disappointment, but instead to move forward. Be Your Own Testimony. In Luke 21, Jesus talks about suffering and the fearful events His followers would face. And He also talks about testimony. In verse 13, Jesus says, “And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” E. Stanley Jones interpreted this passage this way. “Jesus makes a declaration that throws a flood of light on the whole problem [suffering] and his attitude toward it: ‘It shall turn unto you a testimony,’ or as it has been translated, ‘It shall turn out for you as an opportunity for witnessing.’ In other words, He says, ‘You are to take hold of these calamities and turn them for a testimony– you are not to escape trouble, nor merely to bear it as the will of God; you are to use it.’ He suggests that we are to take up pain calamity, injustice, and persecution, admit them into the purpose of our lives and make them contribute to higher ends– the ends for which we really live.”3 Whether you are experiencing disappointment or loss now or in the future, remember that God is the calm in the storm you are experiencing. His purpose for your life is to live in victory, not in anger or fear. “In a wrong-filled world we suffer (and cause) many a wrong. God is there to heal and comfort and forgive.”4

1. https://bible.org/illustration/victor-frankl 2. Elliot, Elisabeth. A Path through Suffering. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2014. 3. Jones, E. Stanley. Christ and Human Suffering. New York, NY: Abingdon Press, 1933. p. 72 4. Elliot, p. 32. 8 9 From the Counselor’s Desk GRATEFUL IN THE HARD TIMES

By LTC (CH) Dan Bray, U. S. Army, Retired MS, MDiv. Counseling Psychologist U.S. Army, Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas

The word, gratitude, brings about several perspectives to consider. Questions such as what is it, should gratitude be practiced, how can I be thankful for my attitude, or how can I live gratefully come to mind.

The more I reflect upon this topic, I think I am becoming convinced that the ultimate point of consideration is none of those attributes. Instead, gratitude mirrors my response to how I view God in my life. Most of us have been encouraged to tell others “thank you” for the birthday present we received when we were children. We may have been put in an awkward position, especially if we genuinely did not like the gift or if we were counting on something else we truly desired. Or what about those times in our adult lives when we did not land the project that we thought rightfully belonged to us? Or we may be enduring illness for no apparent reason 10 If we truly trust God, as we may claim we do, then we can surely trust Him if things take a detour of the way we think our lives should go.

or hope of a cure? Are we obligated to thankfulness to Him who chooses to have a spirit of gratitude when things keep us despite ourselves. don’t always go the way we wish? There is also the element of energy The short answer is yes. or effort to put forth in having a You won’t find this answer in grateful attitude. Whether we are the traditional version of the Ten ecstatic or severely underwhelmed by Commandments. But you will see a curveball in life, we choose to have the principle clearly in the Apostle a particular viewpoint. And, those Paul’s language in 1 Thessalonians viewpoints take up precious amounts of 5. In the passage, he tells us to give time that we can never reclaim. I would thanks in everything. rather be around someone who is, at I would further suggest the most best, a bit more upbeat about life rather crucial segment of having a grateful than one who endlessly has no hope. spirit recognizes God’s presence. In To help us account for how we all that we go through, God is still can establish an appropriate spirit in charge and manages our world. If of gratitude, we can do multiple we truly trust God, as we may claim things. First, we can create an old- we do, then we can surely trust Him fashioned journal of gratefulness on a if things take a detour of the way we piece of paper. Secondly, we can use think our lives should go. If he is all- technology and download any one of seeing, all-knowing, and all-powerful, the multiple kinds of apps to help us. then we can and should trust His best Thirdly, be mindful of two words that judgments for us. are so easy to use, and yet we fail to Others may still object with, use them enough in our daily lives. “Well then, where was God when “Thank you.” my loved one died from cancer I believe the more we use that or a car accident? Am I still to be phrase, the better we place ourselves grateful?” Yes, to be fair, there are in a position to see the acts of some situations and events that we, gratitude happening in us, around us, as human beings, cannot fathom. To and through us. offer a reasonable explanation is not And, to that end, we can, in turn, reasonable. However, we can still be return the thanks to the One who gave faithful to God by maintaining our us thanks in the first place 11 Try One More Time By Constable Monika Montgomery, Brandon, Winnipeg Police Force, with Deena Bartel-Wagner

homas A. Edison, an Monika felt a calling that wouldn’t American inventor, said, allow her to do anything else. “Our greatest weakness “When I was in high school, I Tlies in giving up. The most certain took an aptitude test,” says Monika. way to succeed is always to try just “The results provided several options one more time.” Today, Monika that I might consider as I pursued a Montgomery is a police officer of career, including law enforcement the Brandon Police Service because and practicing law. I didn’t think she kept trying and wouldn’t give up. much of it at the time. Instead, after Becoming a law enforcement officer graduation, I went to Canadian Union wasn’t the easy thing to do. Still, College (now )

James and Monika Montgomery near Snake Falls, Quetico Provincial Park.

12 to begin my studies as a biology , with the intention of becoming a wildlife biologist.” With her decision to take a break from her studies to teach English in the Czech

Cst. Montgomery served as a torch bearer during the 2017 Manitoba Special Olympics Closing Ceremony.

Republic, Monika didn’t have any idea that a career change would be in her future. “I truly enjoyed my year in Prague teaching English and learning about a different culture,” says Monika. “When I returned to Canada, I planned to complete my degree and find work. DONNING THE MOUNTIE SERGE However, a miscalculation of credits, In 2007, Monika learned that the a move to Manitoba, and getting Royal Canadian Mounted Police married changed those plans.” (RCMP) were accepting applications. Although Monika graduated with “I knew I wanted a career that wasn’t a Bachelor of Science in biology with ordinary,” says Monika. “Being a part a chemistry minor, she was unable to of the RCMP appealed to me because I find work related to her education. could uniquely serve my community.” Instead, she obtained employment The application process to the as an administrative assistant for RCMP is an arduous and extensive an Adventist personal care home in six-step process, with the possibility of Winnipeg, Manitoba. As the months elimination at any stage. Candidates and years passed, Monika wondered must attend an information session how she could best use her talents, to initially determine whether they education, and training. are suitable to assume police duties.

As the months and years passed, Monika wondered how she could best use her talents, education and training. 13

Above: Monika and James with Monika’s brother, Robby Pohle, who serves as a Montana State Game Warden at Yellowstone National Park. Inset: Monika and James with Jiri Patera, Brandon Wheat King goalie and Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Following this, they must pass a 114 each of these steps, in August 2008, question RCMP Police Aptitude Test Monika moved on to the 24-week (RPAT) and a Six Factor Personality training at Depot Division in Regina, Questionnaire. Successful candidates Saskatchewan, where RCMP cadets then move onto the Physical Abilities have trained since 1885. Requirement Evaluation (PARE). “Our daily schedule began every Upon certification, candidates face morning at 5:30 a.m with a morning an interview process and are placed inspection. Training days were filled on a ranked list. Their RPAT and with drill and deportment, firearms, interview scores determine their driver’s training, police defence tactics, ranking on the Post Interview physical education, and applied police Ranked List. Successful candidates knowledge,” says Monika. “Over our then receive a conditional Offer of lunch hour, we were often required Employment. The final steps include to be on parade in our full uniform. a background investigation, followed Then in the evenings, we had by medical and psychological exams. homework, gym workouts, laundry, and boot polishing.” The demanding schedule typically MAKING THE CUT ran Monday through Friday and as With the successful completion of the weeks slipped by, Monika worked 14 hard but struggled with firearms RCMP detachment. Although the and marksmanship. “I was ‘back position was only for casual hours, trooped’ for an additional 10 weeks Monika and James decided to relocate of training,” says Monika. “While I to Alberta. Then, James received a passed my firearms qualifications, I job offer in Brandon, Manitoba. “It also retook all of the other testing made more financial sense to move that I had already successfully to Brandon, where James could work completed. I couldn’t believe it when full time and I could look at gaining I failed a practical scenario that I employment with the municipal police previously passed.” service,” says Monika. For three days, Monika waited to “Two months later, I began work as learn her fate. “I remained at the Depot a non-emergency call taker with the while I waited,” says Monika. “My Brandon Police Service,” says Monika. husband, James, was in London on a “It wasn’t the same as being an business trip, so we both went through officer, but I really enjoyed the work. those days of uncertainty alone.” I still wanted to apply to become Then, two days before graduation, an officer, but the Police Officer’s Monika learned that her RCMP Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) contract wouldn’t be extended. She was more difficult for me than the was told that she could return in a RCMP’s test.” After two failed recruit year and repeat the entire 24 weeks applications with Brandon Police of training. “This couldn’t have Service, Monika began to question happened at a worse time,” says whether she should continue seeking a Monika. We’d just purchased a home career as a police officer. in the community where I had been “As a Clerical Front Desk Attendant assigned. I didn’t know what I was (CFDA), I was assigned as one of the going to do.” clerks for a platoon of constables, with a Staff Sergeant in command. One of my Staff Sergeants was Doug WHAT TO DO NOW? Thompson,” says Monika. “He knew After returning to Winnipeg, about the setbacks and disappointments Monika looked for work, but nothing I had experienced at Depot, and he appealed to her. An unsuccessful continued to encourage me not to give interview with the Winnipeg Police up on my dreams. Shortly after his Service led to further disappointment. promotion to Inspector, he asked me While visiting Monika’s parents if I was still interested in becoming a in Lloydminster, Alberta, Monika police officer. applied for and was offered a dispatch “With his encouragement, I position advertised by the local submitted my third recruit application

Two days before graduation, Monika learned that her RCMP contract wouldn’t be extended. 15 “Although I have had my share of struggles and adversity, with God’s help, I have prevailed.”

in four years and somehow made it community,” says Monika. through the recruit process.” Another unexpected opportunity has been in billeting junior hockey players who move to Brandon in CONSTABLE MONTGOMERY order to play hockey for the Wheat Monika made the cut, completed Kings each season. “We often talked her training, and joined the about offering to house a Wheat King 90-member sworn force in 2014. “It player, and when we learned that one took time to realize my dream, but it of the players would be coming from was definitely worth it,” says Monika. the Czech Republic, we jumped at the “I am a constable with the Brandon chance. Because I can speak Czech Police Service and have worked my at a basic level, we offered to billet way up from probationary constable to Jiri Patera, an NHL draft pick of the 1st Class Constable.” Vegas Golden Knights,” says Monika. Brandon police officers generally “It has been a tremendous experience work a two-day two-night 12-hour having Jiri live with us for the past two shift rotation with four days off. “On years and become part of our family.” Involvement with her local church the street we deal with bar fights, family is also an integral part of her assaults, domestic disturbances, calls weekly routine. “Since moving to for advice and calls of sudden deaths,” Brandon, I have been involved with says Monika. “Like almost every the children’s ministry program at jurisdiction in Canada, we are seeing our church,” says Monika. “I’ve also increasing numbers of mental health been designated the child protection cases and suicides. If I didn’t walk with coordinator and de facto safety officer, God, the depravity and negativity as well as bulletin secretary. My would be more than I could bear.” church family understands the nature of the work I do and they regularly REACHING INTO THE COMMUNITY lift me up in prayer for protection, AND CHURCH wisdom, and health.” Shortly after making their home in Brandon, Monika and Jamie learned GOD’S CONTINUED BLESSINGS about an opportunity for community Monika has witnessed God’s engagement. “We are both avid intervention in ways she never hockey fans and were ecstatic to learn imagined. Following an on-duty that we could volunteer as ushers collision between two police cruisers during Brandon Wheat Kings home in 2016, an internal investigation led games. We saw this as a way to build to a lengthy suspension at a time when relationships with people in the her father was diagnosed with a brain 16

Cst. Monika Montgomery and Cst. Brooke Huculak serving as honor guards during the swearing-in ceremony of the new City Council and Mayor following a municipal election.

tumour. While most people might be discouraged, bitter and angry, Monika chooses to see how God’s hand was at work. “The collision happened two full years before the decisions were made for my suspension, and the dates for that suspension coincided with the exact time period that my family needed me by their side during my Dad’s medical crisis. God knew that I would need and equipment inventory.” time off in 2018.” After completing Reflecting on the hurdles she’s her suspension, Monika was fully encountered, Monika says that if reinstated. “I sent a note to the Chief, you believe you are called to do to thank him for the part that he something, you shouldn’t give up. played in God’s plan to make sure that “The more I learned, the more I I was there for my family.” trained, the more I found that I Today, Monika serves as the wanted this career,” says Monika. training coordinator for the “Although I have had my share of Brandon Police Service. “I am struggles and adversity, with God’s currently responsible for both the help, I have prevailed.” training budget and the uniform During the darkest moments of and equipment budget. I schedule training courses and make travel her life, Monika continues to believe arrangements for members of our that God is in control of her life. She police service when they attend often relied on David’s psalm to give training outside of our organization. comfort and peace. “Thank the Lord, In addition, I am in charge of my rock, who trained my hands to fight, coordinating the field training for and my fingers to do battle, my merciful our new recruits,” says Monika. one, my fortress, my stronghold, and my “In the absence of my Sergeant, I savior, my shield, the one in whom I take also oversee the delivery of court refuge, and the one who brings people documents to our local courthouse, under my authority.” Psalm 144:1- and manage the department’s uniform 2, God’s Word Translation 17 BECOMING an OVERCOMER By Chief Petty Officer Patrick Reynolds, U. S. Navy (Retired) with Deena Bartel-Wagner

ow do you transition from a Southern Baptist heritage of the rapture and eternal hellfire to becoming a Seventh-day H Adventist pastor? For Patrick Reynolds, it took a stint in the U. S. Navy, life as a submariner, and the witness of a wife who followed her convictions. “I grew up as a Southern Baptist,” says Patrick. “My father was a head elder in the local Baptist church. When my behavior was less than desired, he’d often remind me about the rapture, being left behind, and burning in hell forever.” At ten years old, Patrick lost a connection with his father when his parents divorced. On the cusp of his teen years, he didn’t have a male role model to guide him. “Then my mother met and married James Lewis,” says Patrick. “I appreciated his kindhearted and supportive nature. But he wasn’t at all religious.” At this point, Patrick faced a turning point in his spiritual walk. Rather than embracing what he’d been taught by his father, he began to experiment with the dark things of the occult and demon summoning.

CHOOSING A NAVAL CAREER “I barely made the grades to graduate from high school,” says Patrick. “During my senior year, I’d joined the U. S. Navy under their early enlistment program. Just a few days after graduation, I left for boot camp in Florida.” Following boot camp, Patrick attended the diesel mechanic school in Illinois. “I learned the skills necessary to work on marine diesel engines,” says Patrick. “This prepared me for my work at my first duty station in Little Creek, Virginia. As mechanics, we were responsible for the maintenance of the fast boat squadron of 65-foot aluminum patrol craft. These boats were tasked with patrolling the Atlantic shoreline from Norfolk, Virginia to Puerto Rico.” During his time at Little Creek, Patrick worked hard and experienced tangible results. “I worked my way up from engineer to 18 Rather than embracing what he’d been taught by his father, he began to experiment with the dark things of the occult and demon summoning.

Captain of my own 65-foot patrol boat,” says Patrick. “I was proud and very blessed to be able to work locally with our Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and SEAL teams in various operations during my time there.” After several years at Little Creek’s amphibious base, Patrick was assigned to a Spruance class destroyer. “I oversaw maintenance of the ship’s air conditioning units and all onboard refrigeration equipment. While we were deployed to the Indian Ocean, I flew to a remote base to repair the air conditioning unit that cooled their communications gear. I received an award for the skills that I utilized in this situation.” Sailors on a destroyer have the primary role of anti-submarine warfare. “In other words, our job is to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines below the ocean depths,” says Patrick. “As I observed our operations, I was impressed with how good we were at it.”

Patrick Reynolds, Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy (Retired)

19 The faithful prayers and witness of Vilma influenced Patrick to attend and eventually join the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

FROM DESTROYER TO SUBMARINE While on the destroyer, Patrick witnessed an encounter that changed his naval career. “I was so impressed with how the enemy fleet reacted to one of our nuclear fast attack submarines that I decided to transfer to the submarine fleet,” says Patrick. “I never looked back.” He eventually served on several Los Angeles class fast attack submarines. He also had the opportunity to see one being built from scratch. While on submarine duty, Patrick was an engineering auxiliary Chief overseeing the work of many Sailors as they maintained the air, seawater, sanitary, hydraulic systems. “A submarine is like a self- contained world,” says Patrick. “The Navy engineers recognized we are surrounded by saltwater. Out of that source, we can filter and create our own fresh water supply and oxygen which is stored onboard in tanks and then pumped back into the boat.” A pivotal point in an enlisted man’s naval career is making the rank of Navy Chief. “Thousands of E-6’s take a test, and their entire military career and academic achievements are reviewed by a group of Master Chiefs during a review board,” says Patrick. “The best of the best are then reviewed, and the top 300 receive the prestigious selection to become a Chief Petty Officer. This is considered the pinnacle of the enlisted ranks and is not easy to achieve.” Patrick struggled with this achievement for a long time and almost gave up. “I had done so poorly in high school, and I did not think I could attend college, so I didn’t even try.” 20 “My wife, Vilma...allowed the Holy Spirit to work on me through her example of good Christian living and the love she had for me even though we worshipped on different days.”

NOT IN MY OWN STRENGTH During this low point in his career, Patrick began to turn back to his childhood beliefs. “During these struggles, even though I wasn’t an Adventist, I was still a Christian. I always drew on the word of God to get me through the rough patches,” says Patrick. “My favorite text is Philippians 4:13. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’” At this point, Patrick had returned to attending a Sunday church. “My wife, Vilma, was attending a local Adventist church. This went on for approximately seven years, and I remember distinctly that she never tried to force her beliefs on me,” says Patrick. “Instead, she allowed the Holy Spirit to work on me through her example of good Christian living and the love she had for me even though we worshipped on different days.”

Patrick enjoys outdoor pursuits on a regular basis.

21 Following his decision to join the Adventist Church, Patrick faced new barriers, which became witnessing opportunities. “I had a tough time getting time off to worship on the . For me, it was a double dose of difficulties because I started out in my career as a Sunday-keeper. Then, all of a sudden, I was a Sabbath-keeper,” says Patrick. “The leadership didn’t understand why I suddenly changed, so it created a witnessing opportunity for me. Because I was new to , it proved extremely difficult for me to extrapolate my beliefs to my supervisors to obtain time off for worship.” When Patrick approached his Captain and requested to have Sabbath off, he was surprised at the officer’s request. “The Captain asked me if I would be willing to provide services for as many religious followers onboard who requested worship,” says Patrick. “This allowed me to provide services to others and gave me the unique opportunity to witness about my Sabbath-keeping and Adventist faith.”

YOU CAN’T RETIRE As Patrick approached the 20-year mark of his career, he began to look at retirement. “As I began to consider retirement, I attended a 30-day evangelistic crusade in Chesapeake, Virginia, when I decided to turn my life over to God fully,” says Patrick. “The problem was that I was in the submarine force, and my position was highly requested. I was told that the odds of the Pentagon approving my request for retirement was slim to none.” Patrick decided to trust God. He prayed and submitted his papers. At the same time, he asked God for a sign. Patrick and “I needed assurance that God was preparing me Pastor for the ministry as I applied for retirement,” says Patrick. “I discovered that several of my friends who also were Chiefs in the submarines were also requesting retirement.” Patrick decided to trust God. He prayed and submitted his papers. At the same time, he asked God for a sign.

Several months passed, and Patrick agonized as he waited for the decision. “When I heard about my retirement, I discovered that I was the only one among the Chiefs approved,” says Patrick. “No one could explain why, but I knew why! God had intervened, and I knew then and there that the Lord was preparing me to enter the ministry.”

I HAVE A DEGREE WITH NOWHERE TO GO After leaving the Navy, Patrick earned a Bachelor in Religion from LaSierra University in Riverside, California. Several conferences expressed interest, and following numerous phone calls, Patrick believed he’d been assigned to a church district. “I sold my house, and about a week later, I received a phone call that I wouldn’t be going to that conference,” says Patrick. “Of course, I was devastated. We didn’t really know what to do, so we prayed for guidance.” That’s when Patrick decided to start his Master of Divinity program at LaSierra University and continue to work in his position as Deputy Director of Security. “In 2009, when I graduated, the country was in the midst of the recession and real estate market crash. At the same time, my wife’s work decided to close their southern California and offered to move her to the General Conference Office in Silver Spring, Maryland. Since I didn’t have any ministry options at that time, we decided it was best to pack up and move.” Since the recession was nationwide, no pastoral positions were available in Maryland, either. Patrick found work as a data scanner, an assistant to a vice president, and finally, work in an IT department. One day, Patrick responded to a tech issue in another department. During the conversation, Patrick mentioned that he had an M.Div. degree and wanted to be involved in ministry. “I was invited to preach at a local church,” says Patrick. “The pastor of the church was getting ready to retire. He recommended my name to the Chesapeake Conference, and I was hired as a District Pastor.” Through the obstacles and disappointments, Patrick chose the path of an overcomer. “When we are faced with difficulties in life, we have basically two options as Christians. The first one is to draw upon God’s word and seek the Lord’s strength to become an overcomer,” says Patrick. “Or we can choose option two and lash out at God for the tribulations and blame Him for all our troubles. I chose option one, and that is what I recommend.”

23 NAD UPDATES When Bad Things HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE…

n the past few weeks, we have watched as almost every nation on earth reeled from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A devastating Itornado in Nashville, Tennessee was followed by a “Bomb Cyclone” in Colorado and a horrific accident involving over 100 vehicles. An earthquake in Utah and the devastating financial collapse of the world’s stock markets have created layers upon layers of trauma to the citizens of this planet. In each of the aforementioned tragedies, good people have responded by spontaneously helping. Many kudos to the doctors, nurses, respiratory technicians, facilities engineers, maintenance staffers, and food service workers who have redoubled their presence to keep hospitals open. Love and appreciation to the grocers, truck drivers, and farmers who maintain the flowing supply chain. The epidemiologists and scientists who are studying this virus and working tirelessly to find and create a cure are good people fighting to eradicate a bad thing. Firefighters and emergency medical technicians show up to save lives and extricate people from the twisted frames of crashed cars after an accident or the structural remnants of buildings after natural disasters. Their altruism is for God and country, family, and friends. Thanks to the pastors and chaplains who have responded to the current crisis by maximizing technology to advance creative methods to deliver worship and pastoral care to seekers and servers.

24 Roads to HAPPINESS THAT ARE NEVER CLOSED I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:6.

By Ellen G. White very earthly wish may be gratified, and yet men pass on as did the ungrateful lepers who had been cleansed and healed of their obnoxious disease. These E lepers had been restored to health by Christ, and the parts that had been destroyed by the disease were re-created; but only one, on finding himself made whole, returned to give God glory.... The lesson which is recorded concerning the ten lepers should awaken in every heart a most earnest desire to change the existing order of ingratitude into one of praise and thanksgiving. Let the professed people of God stop murmuring and complaining. Let us remember who is the first great Giver of all our blessings. We are fed and clothed and sustained in life, and should we not educate ourselves and our children to respond with gratitude to our heavenly Father?1 Have we not reason to talk of God’s goodness and to tell of His power? When friends are kind to us we esteem it a privilege to thank them for their kindness. How much more should we count it a joy to return thanks to the Friend who has given us every good and perfect gift. Then let us, in every church, cultivate thanksgiving to God. Let us educate our lips to praise God in the family circle.... Let our gifts and offerings declare our gratitude for the favors we daily receive. In everything we should show forth the joy of the Lord and make known the message of God’s saving grace.2 The hearts of those who reveal the attributes of Christ glow with divine love. They are imbued with the spirit of gratitude.... Lift up Jesus. Lift Him up, the man of Calvary, with the voice of song and prayer. Seek earnestly to spread the gospel. Tell the precious story of God’s love for man. In this work you will find a satisfaction that will last through the eternal ages.3

1 The Review and Herald, November 13, 1894. 2 The Review and Herald, May 7, 1908. 3 The Review and Herald, July 11, 1899.

25 NAD UPDATES Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries Welcomes A New ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

relationships as she prepared for a career in Gospel ministry. Her leadership and pastoral career blossomed at Oakwood University where she served as the Associate Pastor for Young Adults. Subsequently, she served in the Florida Conference, for 10 years, as Pastor of the Celebration Church and Chaplain at the Celebration Hospital in Orlando. In another leap of faith and adventure, she accepted a call to the Greater Sydney Conference in Australia. She served admirably as the Director of Ministries for Women, Children and . Her next phase of ministry was in the Loma Linda Community. While there she completed a Master of haplain M. Gilda Roddy has Science degree. She also served as a accepted the call to join the ACM staff chaplain while pursuing doctoral Cteam as the new Assistant Director. studies in Mission Leadership. During Her territory includes the Columbia, that season of her life, Chaplain Atlantic, and Lake Unions, as well as Roddy was ordained by the Southeast the Adventist Church in Canada. She California Conference. assumed her duties September 1, 2019. Chaplain Roddy is coming to ACM Chaplain Roddy was born in from the staff of the Loma Linda Mauritius. Her adolescent years were University Church where she developed spent in Australia. After graduation the ministry of Pastoral Care. She will from high school, she took a leap of bring new energy, new perspectives, and faith and matriculated to Oakwood new balance to our team. College. There she built lifelong Welcome aboard Chaplain Roddy!

26 Southwestern Union HONORS THOSE WHO SERVE

n an effort to show appreciation for the service of the military personnel, Ipeace officers, and firefighters in our communities, the Southwestern Union held its first National Service Organization Day at the Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mansfield, Texas. “Holding this special day was a way to recognize and honor those in our communities who sacrifice of themselves to serve others,” said director of Adventist Chaplaincy Helvis C. Moody, Southwestern Ministries for the North American Union youth and young adult/prayer Division and a chaplain in the Army ministries director, who coordinated Reserve and many others. the ministry opportunity. A special In the afternoon, several effort was made to invite local seminars were presented to provide community servants. encouragement and educational Themed, “In Honor of Their information, with topics including Service” the day began with Sabbath being informed prior to signing up School and worship services with for military service; how to keep a focus on service and recognition happy, healthy marriages when a of those who serve. Special guests spouse is deployed; best practices for included William Cork, assistant interactions with peace officers and how to stay positive, encouraged and excited about the future. Following the seminars, guests enjoyed refreshments and making new friends. “I encourage all of our churches to hold ministry opportunities such as these to share our appreciation and brotherly love for our community servants,” said Moody. This article originally appeared in the Southwest Union Record, January-February 2020 issue.

27 NAD UPDATES CAP Chaplain’s CONTRIBUTION REMEMBERED By Captain (CHC) Washington Johnson, II, U. S. Navy Associate Director, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, North American Division

Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries in the North American Division. The honor was most fitting for Chaplain Cleveland. Known as a legend in the field of public evangelism in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Cleveland conducted countless evangelistic crusades, authored 16 books, served as an administrator at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Oakwood University, and was later inducted into the Martin n a picture-perfect autumn Luther King, Jr. collegium of preachers afternoon, during a special and scholars at Morehouse College Oceremony, a bronze memorial Atlanta, Georgia. In 2007 Oakwood medallion was affixed to the grave University dedicated a building marker of Chaplain Edward bearing Cleveland’s and the names of Earl Cleveland (1921- 2009) at two other distinguished leaders in the Oakwood Memorial Gardens Seventh-day Church: “The Bradford– Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama, Cleveland–Brooks Leadership Center.” to honor his service as a Civil Air Cleveland’s role as a CAP Chaplain Patrol (CAP) Chaplain. is remembered with distinction, as it The idea for a medallion was held a special place in both his heart conceived by Elder R. Steven Norman and ministry. He considered it a great III, Communications Director of honor when in 1993 he became a the Southern Union of Seventh-day chaplain in the CAP at the urging of Adventists to acknowledge clergy and his close friend and colleague, Elder educators in memoriam who have James Melancon, who also then served dedicated their lives to service in the as a CAP chaplain holding the rank Seventh-day Adventist Church. of . During Cleveland’s ten The officiant for the ceremony years of service he was assigned to the was Captain Washington Johnson II, Huntsville Composite Squadron and United States Navy Chaplain Corps, received several medals, ribbons, and who serves as an Assistant Director of unit awards. Cleveland was devoted to

28 affixed it to Cleveland’s grave marker. Elder T. Marshall Kelly and Dr. Joyce Johnson led the congregation in a melodious and inspirational reminder of the Second Coming, symbolized in part by the medallion, with a verse of the song, “We Have This Hope:” We have this hope that burns within our hearts, Hope in the coming of the Lord. duty with the CAP and showed great appreciation for all military service We have this faith that Christ personnel, including his father’s alone imparts, service in World War I. A photo Faith in the promise of His Word. of Cleveland’s father, William C. Cleveland Sr., could be admired on his We believe the time is here, home office desk at any given time. In attendance for this historical When the nations far and near occasion was Charles Bradford, former president of the North Shall awake, and shout and sing American Division of Seventh-day Hallelujah! Christ is King! Adventists and Harold Lee, D.Min, former Director of the Bradford We have this hope that burns within Cleveland Brooks Leadership Center. our hearts, Other participants included Dr. Mervyn Warren, who gave a heartfelt Hope in the coming of the Lord. invocation. Elder James Melancon – , 1962 passionately spoke of Cleveland’s role as a chaplain in the CAP. Elder The words of the song also R. Steven Norman III shared the portrayed Cleveland’s strong belief background of the medallion and in the imminent and soon return of Christ, as evidenced by his passionate work as a gospel evangelist. The memorable ceremony that honored Chaplain Cleveland’s service to both God and Country concluded with a benediction of, love, hope and divine protection by Elder T. Marshall Kelly. THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CLERGY MEMORIAL MEDALLIONS CAN BE PURCHASED THROUGH ADVENTSOURCE.

29 Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.

2 Thessalonians 5:16-18, God’s Word Translation

30 Executive Editor: Layout and Design: Mario E. Ceballos Emily Harding D.Min., BCC HardingDesign Editor: Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries Deena Bartel-Wagner Mario Ceballos, Director/Endorser [email protected]

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY is published by the World Service Organization (WSO), a chapter of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries (ACM). It is mailed free of charge to Seventh-day Adventists who are involved in military and public service. Digital copies can be downloaded from AdventistsInUniform.org.

To be added to the mailing list, e-mail the editor or call 301-680-6785. Comments and/or articles are welcome and should be sent to the editor at [email protected]. Include your full name, complete mailing address, telephone, e-mail address, and current digital photos with all submissions. Items submitted by mail will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped return envelope. CONTACT US: Headquarters National Service Organization/ACM, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, U.S.A. Phone: 301-680-6785; e-mail [email protected]; URL: http:// AdventistsInUniform.org. The National Service Organization is the official military-relations office of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its primary mission is to provide pastoral care and religious resources to support the spiritual well-being of Seventh- day Adventist military-related personnel. Unless otherwise credited, all photos © BigStock 2020. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists®.

CORRESPONDENTS South Pacific Division (SPD) Trafford Fischer, ACM Director East-Central Africa Division (ECD) [email protected] Magulilo Mwakalonge, ACM Director [email protected] Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) Busi Khumalo, ACM Director Euro-Asia Division (ESD) [email protected] | Skype: handybusi Oleg Goncharov, ACM Director [email protected] Southern Asia Division (SUD) Ramesh Jadhav, ACM Director Inter-European Division (EUD) [email protected] Marius Munteanu, ACM Director [email protected] Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Wendall Mandolang, ACM Director Inter-American Division (IAD) [email protected] Hiram Ruiz, ACM Director [email protected] Trans-European Division (TED) Patrick Johnson, ACM Director North American Division (NAD) [email protected] Paul S. Anderson, ACM Director [email protected] West-Central Africa Division (WAD) N. John Enang, ACM Director Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) [email protected] or Ron Clouzet, ACM Director [email protected] [email protected]

South American Division (SAD) a s SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST MEDICAL CADET CORPS ADVENTIST SERVICE CORPS Bruno Raso, ACM Director [email protected]

31 The bravest sight in the world is to see a great man struggling against adversity. – Lucius Annaeus Seneca

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